By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru has approved the reactivation of funds for the Small and Medium Scale Industries Credit Scheme with an initial capital of fifty (N50,000,000) in the state.
The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Engineer Jude Okpor disclosed this during the briefing on the outcome of the State Exco-meeting held yesterday at Centenary City Abakaliki.
The Commissioner said the State Executive Council which was chaired by Nwifuru also approved the constitution of a Recovery Committee to ensure repayment by beneficiaries to guarantee the sustenance of the scheme.
Okpor also disclosed that the Executive Council has declared an emergency on the road by approving the construction of the roads across the state under different ministries.
He noted that the Construction of a 41km road from Obubara Junction to Oferekpe should be split into four lots, while the
reconstruction of 19km Obvudechi - Iziogo road — to be split into two lots.
Other roads approved for construction included the 31. 827km Oferekpe-Agbaja road, 12.81km Ishieke Odomoke Ekebiligwe - Isophu - Nworie road, 1.3km Ebonyi Agro Dealers Market road Onuebonyi.
Emphasizing the further infrastructural development in the state, the Commissioner pointed out that the Executive Council members have approved the construction of Ogboenyi Road off Ndibe beach road, Afikpo and Itara-Dr. Akanu Ibiam-Oyoyo-Erei Road, Unwana.
The State Executive Council members approved the rehabilitation of Alo Street to Unity Square Road with some spot maintenance along Nwele Street with concrete pavements.
"Exco approved the Ministry of Solid Minerals to initiate the process of establishing a Lead and Zinc Processing Plant alongside a Buying Center in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State," he stated.
On Education, the Information Commissioner opined that "It's unequivocally correct to say that the present administration has been in power for almost two months, consequently, the council approved an upward review of the monthly Subvention to Ebonyi State University, EBSU from 150 million Naira to 200 million in retrospect.
"The Council also approved the release of the sum of 300 million Naira earlier promised by the immediate past administration to the University. Holistically, the total sum of 700 million Naira will be released to Ebonyi State University as directed by Executive Council members."
He disclosed the Nwifuru government's
avowed determination to improve the aesthetic nature of the State capital city, noting that the Executive Council members resolved to direct the Commissioner for Capital City and Urban Planning to develop a master plan towards upgrading the state capital into a 21st Century Smart City.
"Particularly, Council approved the construction of Bus Shelters with Water Closets in strategic points across the state capital and further directed the Commissioner to liaise with his Water Resources counterparts for implementation.
"The interlocking of the walkways and non-concrete covered medians along the major dual carriageways was also approved by Council to be jointly executed by the Ministry of Capital City and the Ministry of Environment.
"Council also approved the engagement of workers whose remuneration will be equivalent to medical workers to ensure the maintenance of the Bus Shelters at all times," the Commissioner said.
Nigerian Pilot reports that the Ebonyi State Executive Council equally approved the construction of a befitting duplex for each of the Traditional Rulers presently holding sway in their respective communities across the state in fulfilment of the campaign promise of our governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Our correspondent gathered that the Executive Council received a report on the commencement of fertilizer production by the Ebonyi State Fertilizer and Chemical Company by the directive of the last Exco meeting and consequently approved the procurement and distribution of Thirteen Thousand (13,000) bags of fertilizers to farmers across the state.
The Council resolved to direct the State Commissioner for Power and Energy, Chief Peter Ogali to consult with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC to arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement with the state government before returning to the next Executive Council with the memo for possible consideration on On the repair of 33 units of transformers for redeployment into the electricity network across the State.
